Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for the Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe, a glorious combination of crunchy, spicy, and sweet that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. This sandwich strikes the perfect balance between a crispy, golden fried chicken breast and the tantalizing kick of jalapeños, all drizzled generously with a luscious hot honey glaze. Whether for a casual lunch or a weekend treat, this recipe promises a burst of flavors and textures that feel both comforting and exciting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each one plays a critical role in building the perfect Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe. From the marinating buttermilk that tenderizes the chicken to the hot honey that adds a sneaky sweetness with a spicy punch, every item contributes to this sandwich’s irresistible appeal.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced thinly for quick cooking and maximum crispiness.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Use this for marinating to tenderize and add tangy flavor to your chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory aromatic punch that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the marinade.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the crispy outer crust that’s key to this sandwich’s texture.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Combines with flour to ensure extra crisp crunchiness.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying to golden perfection without overpowering the chicken’s flavor.
- 1/2 cup honey: The star ingredient in the hot honey glaze, bringing sweet warmth.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce: Pick your favorite (Sriracha is a great pick) to give that signature spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional): Stirred into the hot honey for a silky, rich finish.
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeños: Adds tang and heat, both inside the sandwich and as a garnish.
- 4 sesame seed buns: Toasted to add a slight crunch and hold all those delicious layers together.
- Mayonnaise (optional): A creamy spread that balances the heat and adds moisture.
- Lettuce or coleslaw (optional): Freshens the sandwich and adds a cool crunch.
How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally into thinner cutlets – this helps them cook evenly and quickly while absorbing more flavor. In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dunk your chicken pieces into this marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step is magic, as the buttermilk tenderizes the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Make the Dredge
While the chicken marinates, combine your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. When ready, take the chicken out of the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Then, press each piece into the flour mixture thoroughly—this coating will fry up crisp and golden, creating that coveted crunch that makes this sandwich unforgettable.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches roughly 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken cutlets in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Cook about 4-5 minutes on each side until the crust is golden and crispy and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil while preserving crispness.
Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey
In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey with your chosen hot sauce over low heat. If you want to take the richness up a notch, stir in a tablespoon of butter until melted, creating a perfectly balanced glaze. This hot honey is the secret sauce of this Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe, combining sweet heat that pairs beautifully with the crunchy chicken.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Toast your sesame seed buns lightly to add texture and warmth. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the buns for added creaminess if desired. Place a crispy fried chicken cutlet on each bun base, then drizzle generously with the warm hot honey sauce. Top with sliced pickled jalapeños and, if you like a fresh crunch, add some crisp lettuce or coleslaw. Crown your masterpiece with the top bun, and voilà — you’re ready to savor every bite!
How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe
Garnishes
Adding pickled jalapeños on top not only amps up the heat but adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken. Fresh herbs like cilantro or a simple leaf of buttery lettuce can also elevate the presentation and freshen every mouthful.
Side Dishes
Serve this sandwich alongside crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, or even a refreshing cucumber salad to create a well-rounded meal. The cool, crisp sides are perfect for balancing out the spicy, sweet, and savory layers of the sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your sandwiches on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra hot honey, pickled jalapeños, and mayonnaise for dipping. For a picnic vibe, wrap sandwiches individually in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming, portable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover crispy chicken, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the hot honey sauce separately to keep the chicken crispy when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken cutlets wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 1 month. The buns and toppings won’t freeze well together, so freeze the chicken alone and assemble fresh after thawing.
Reheating
To bring back the chicken’s crispiness, reheat it in a 375°F oven on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Microwave reheating tends to make the breading soggy, so the oven method is best for maintaining that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving when frying, plus they offer a slightly different flavor profile that many love. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through.
What hot sauce works best for the hot honey?
Sriracha is a popular choice because of its balanced heat and garlic undertones, but feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauce to customize the spice level and flavor.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk in the marinade?
You can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a quick buttermilk substitute. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic that tangy effect.
Can I make the sandwich gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour and cornstarch for gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the buns for gluten-free options as well.
How spicy is the sandwich? Can I make it milder?
The heat from the jalapeños and hot honey is noticeable but not overwhelming. To make it milder, reduce the amount of jalapeños or remove the seeds before slicing, and tone down the hot sauce quantity in the honey glaze.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe is a delicious celebration of contrasts—crispy, sweet, spicy, and savory all at once. It’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make at home. I encourage you to give it a try and bring a little fiery joy to your next meal. Trust me, once you do, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to favorites too!
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Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Jalapeños is a perfect balance of crunchy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Tender chicken cutlets are marinated in buttermilk and spices, coated in a crispy flour and cornstarch dredge, then fried to golden perfection. Topped with a luscious hot honey drizzle and spicy pickled jalapeños, all sandwiched between toasted sesame buns, this recipe delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dredge
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1 inch deep)
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Assembly and Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeños (for garnish)
- 4 sesame seed buns
- Pickled jalapeños, sliced (for topping)
- Mayonnaise (optional, for spreading on the bun)
- Lettuce or coleslaw (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cutlets to the buttermilk mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Make the Dredge: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each cutlet well in the flour mixture. Place coated chicken on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken cutlets in batches, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Hot Honey: Warm the honey and hot sauce together in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the butter if using until melted and incorporated. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast sesame seed buns if desired. Spread mayonnaise on the buns, then place a fried chicken cutlet on the bottom bun. Drizzle generously with hot honey sauce, top with sliced pickled jalapeños, and add lettuce or coleslaw if preferred. Cover with the top bun.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches warm with extra hot honey sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Using cornstarch in the dredge helps achieve extra crispiness in the fried chicken.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to ensure even cooking without greasiness.
- Optional butter in the hot honey sauce adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- Pickled jalapeños add a tangy heat, but fresh jalapeños can be used if preferred.
- For a healthier alternative, consider baking or air frying the chicken, although the texture will differ.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
